Press releases
Majority of charities have plans in place to address equality, diversity and inclusion, but impact of pandemic and resources are barriers to increasing diversity
The latest research from the covid-19 voluntary sector impact barometer reveals that while the majority of charities and voluntary sector organisations have drawn up plans to address equality, diversity and inclusion (EDI) issues in their workplace, volunteers and services (79%) – with 59% of these revising their EDI approach since March 2020 – implementing these plans and increasing diversity has remained a challenge due to the impact of the pandemic and a lack of resources.
Volunteers’ Week 2021: A time to say thanks to all volunteers during the pandemic
To mark the launch of Volunteers’ Week 2021, 1-7 June, a government minister and charities around the UK are encouraging everyone to use it as ‘a time to say thanks’ to all those volunteering during the coronavirus pandemic.
Read more: Volunteers’ Week 2021: A time to say thanks to all volunteers during the pandemic
Latest research reveals mixed impact of pandemic on volunteering numbers despite more positive outlook, increased diversity and rise of the digital volunteer
Ahead of the launch of Volunteers’ Week 2021, 1-7 June, new research has revealed a far more mixed impact from the pandemic for charities and volunteer numbers than many headlines have suggested. The research also reveals increased positivity among charities, greater diversity among UK volunteers, and the rise of the digital volunteer.
Pandemic improves ‘responsiveness’ of local authorities to charities, but new research finds smaller charities missing out
Ahead of May’s local elections, new research released today finds that the pandemic has offered ‘promising signs of improvement’ in relationships and collaboration between charities and local authorities. Over half of the charities surveyed said local authorities have become ‘more responsive’ to their needs during coronavirus, and many charities have increased their engagement with local government. However, the research also finds that the improvements in relationships with local authorities appear skewed towards larger charities, with smaller organisations missing out or seeing a decline.
NCVO predicts better than expected year-end financial position and announces new leadership team
NCVO is predicting better than expected year-end financial results for 2020-21 and has today announced a new leadership team who will work with interim CEO Sarah Vibert and the board of trustees.
Pandemic impact on charities continues to be ‘uneven’ but funding challenges are on horizon, research shows
- Income from trading activity expected to drop more than 17% next year.
- Two in five voluntary organisations have six months left of reserves.
- Many charities now run fewer services than pre-pandemic, others have expanded.
New research shows that the impact of the pandemic has been “uneven and unpredictable” on voluntary organisations and warns of projected declines in funding from all income sources in the next financial year.
Latest findings suggest shift from formal volunteering during pandemic
Latest research showcases a mixed picture on the time and the availability of volunteers. According to the latest results of the Covid-19 Voluntary Sector Impact Barometer, 40% of the 710 respondents have experienced a decrease in the amount of unpaid time contributed by volunteers since March with just 27% reporting an increase.
Read more: Latest findings suggest shift from formal volunteering during pandemic
Statement from Priya Singh, chair, on behalf of the board of trustees
NCVO has approached our work on equity, diversity and inclusion (EDI) with integrity and transparency. Following receipt of the report into EDI in NCVO, we shared with staff and spoke publicly. We were open that it had revealed deep-rooted cultural traits, behaviours and practices that are limiting the ability of NCVO to be inclusive, socially just and relevant. We shared how shocked we were by the findings and we also acknowledged publicly that NCVO is a structurally racist organisation and that the same is true for sexism, homophobia, transphobia, classism and disablism. At the time, our chair and CEO apologised to colleagues and outlined clear steps that would be taken to address the very concerning issues raised. The communications to our colleagues in August can be seen here.
Read more: Statement from Priya Singh, chair, on behalf of the board of trustees
NCVO announces detailed plans for future offer to members, charities and volunteering
The National Council for Voluntary Organisations (NCVO) today announced new long-term goals after a year long strategic planning process that included a wide consultation across the sector.
Read more: NCVO announces detailed plans for future offer to members, charities and volunteering
New report calls on voluntary organisations to deliver services in collaboration, building on the spirit of partnership developed during the pandemic
A new report from NCVO, ACEVO and Lloyds Bank Foundation for England and Wales highlights ways in which larger and smaller voluntary organisations can support each other in the competitive commissioning environment and collaborate to achieve greater impact for the communities they serve.
